Typically, we share recommendations for the best products, period — it doesn’t matter when they came out as long as they are exceptionally useful, beautiful, surprising, or otherwise worth recommending. This year we have gone in a different direction, focusing almost entirely on the world of the new. Here, you’ll find a wide assortment of recently released things for every person on your list, from mood music for a plant owner (a rerelease of a 1976 record that apparently helps monsteras and ZZ’s grow) to a big-dog-specific tote for a pit-bull parent. Plus, of course, hundreds of other ideas, from a vase that grows an avocado (seen above, $45 from ilexstudio.com) to a handful eerily realistic ceramic peanuts to a Lucite cat bed that could easily double as a side table. Don’t miss all of the Strategist’s holiday gift coverage right here, too.
Zooey Deschanel’s Butter Lettuce
To be grown in her newly launched self-watering vertical garden.
Downtown Cowboy Hat
Appropriate for a rodeo in Mesquite or a shopping day in Chinatown.
Court Cards
For basketball-camp correspondence.
Obscure Art Book
It documents German-born artist Felix Burrichter’s exhibition at the Swiss Institute, and, to be honest, we really liked the cover.
Streetwear Ken
He looks about ready to flex on the corner of Mercer and Howard.
Start-up Stomach Relievers
Mood Music for Succulents
Mort Garson’s recently rereleased, Moog-heavy 1976 record is meant to help houseplants grow.
Shelf-Worthy Lube
The bottle comes with a little easy-grip koozie.
Trompe L’Oeil Cat Toy
Cartoon Cooler
An unlikely but charming collaboration between SpongeBob and Igloo.
CBD Lip Balm
The first non-soap, non-candle offering from Maine-based Wary Meyers.
Hinoki Bath
Coveted Kids’ Toy
These Blume dolls grow, wacky hair first, out of a plastic planter.
Recycled-Plastic Cutting Board
Sold out three days after it launched in July, it’s now back in stock.
Milky Face Wash
From HoliFrog, an entirely face-wash-focused beauty brand.
Silk Scrunchie
The color, according to Judi Rosen, is “Laura Ashley threw up.”
Chengdu Chili Sauce
Newly available in the U.S.; “its fragrancy lingers,” according to Grub Street.
Display-Worthy Toilet Paper
Bean-to-Stick Chocolate
Cacao from the Dominican Republic, processed into sticks in Red Hook.
’90s Tank
It looks straight out of a Delia’s catalogue.
The New Black Vanguard